Mathys Tel’s decision to join Tottenham Hotspur on loan in January was met with a wave of excitement among fans and club officials alike. After a largely quiet transfer window, Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou sprang into action during the final days, determined to secure reinforcements for their squad.
Tottenham had made Tel their top target, but initially, the young Bayern Munich forward turned them down. That rejection was seen as a significant setback, particularly as Spurs were eager to bolster their attacking options. However, just a few days later, the teenager had a change of heart, allowing the North London club to finalize a loan deal on deadline day. Crucially, the agreement included an option to make the move permanent in the summer, further heightening expectations surrounding Tel’s impact at Spurs.
Yet, despite the excitement that greeted his arrival, Tel has struggled to make the kind of impact many anticipated.
Tottenham’s Coaching Staff Remain Confident in Tel Despite a Slow Start
Since his arrival in North London, Tel’s performances have been a mixed bag. The French teenager showed glimpses of his immense potential early on, particularly with a well-taken goal against Aston Villa in just his second appearance. However, that moment of brilliance has not yet translated into a consistent run of form.
His struggles became more apparent in recent matches. Tel was substituted at halftime during Tottenham’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar, a game where he failed to make a significant impact. To make matters worse, he was an unused substitute when Spurs faced Bournemouth in the Premier League, raising further questions about his adaptation and role within the team.
The teenager’s lack of immediate impact has led to some criticism from the fan base, with many questioning whether Tottenham should exercise the option to sign him permanently in the summer. Given the potentially hefty transfer fee involved, there is growing debate over whether he is worth the investment.
However, despite the scrutiny, Tottenham’s coaching staff and higher-ups remain fully convinced that Tel will ultimately prove to be a success. According to GiveMeSport, there is “confidence behind the scenes” at Spurs that Tel’s full potential has yet to be unlocked, and that he remains a highly promising talent for both the short and long term.
Furthermore, there is a belief that Tel’s ability to operate on the left flank could make him an attractive long-term option—especially given the growing uncertainty surrounding club captain Heung-min Son’s future. If Son were to leave or see a reduced role in the coming years, Tel could emerge as a key figure in Spurs’ attacking plans.
Troy Deeney Defends Tel Amid Criticism
With just one goal in six games, Tel’s numbers have not been particularly impressive, leading to increased scrutiny from some sections of the fan base. However, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has stepped in to defend the young forward, arguing that it is far too soon to judge his potential.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney highlighted the challenges of adapting to a new country, new team, and new playing style, particularly in a league as demanding as the Premier League. He emphasized that Tel is not only adjusting to life in London, but also integrating into a Spurs squad that has been dealing with injuries and inconsistencies.
“He’s moving countries, he’s in London. I don’t care what anyone says, London has distractions, as we all know. You’re now trying to learn a team, a team that’s depleted and injury-prone. By the way, you’re meant to go in and enforce that and change it,” Deeney stated.
He went on to say that Tel hasn’t yet had enough playing time to establish himself, and that expecting instant success is unrealistic. In Deeney’s view, fans may not see the best version of Tel until the 2026/27 season, but that doesn’t mean Spurs should lose faith in his development.
“You won’t see the best of him, probably not next season, but the season after. But they’re going to have to put a framework in and around him,” Deeney added.
Spurs Still Betting on Tel’s Future
While Tel’s transition to Tottenham has not been seamless, the club remains patient with his development. His talent is clear, and Spurs believe that with time, the 19-year-old can fulfill his immense potential. Whether or not Tottenham makes his move permanent this summer will likely depend on how he performs in the coming months.
For now, the coaching staff remains confident that Tel is worth investing in—both as a player for the present and as a potential successor to Heung-min Son in the long run. The pressure is on the young forward to prove his doubters wrong and show that he can be a key figure in Spurs’ attack moving forward.
“It is now going as planned”- What Tottenham coaches privately think of Mathys Tel now after his recent struggles emerges
